Marin Bocce Aims To Keep 'Em Rolling Despite Pandemic

MARIN COUNTY, CA — Like many other local sporting clubs around the world, the nonprofit Marin Bocce Federation has been mostly sidelined by the lingering coronavirus. But now the players are working to save the 25-year-old club with a "Keep Us Rolling" fundraiser and are encouraging the whole Marin community to join in.

Julie Nunes, MBF's Board President, said the goal is to raise $80,000 so the facility at 550 B Street in San Rafael can remain open and maintenance reserve funds can still be used to keep the courts in good playing shape. The revenue shortfall this year is roughly $218,000 less than 2019. Nunes said the net loss for 2020 looks to be about $62,000 even with a federal loan and aggressive cost cutting.

"Our board of directors is continuing to watch all costs carefully," Nunes said. "Unfortunately, we don't know when our leagues can start safely again, so this is our way to help recoup lost revenue and keep us afloat."

Marin Bocce Federation, which is part of the City of San Rafael Parks and Recreation Department, is the largest club of its kind in the nation with the most league players. About 1,600 people played each week prior to the virus, participating on 160 teams. The club hosted upwards of 75 fundraiser events each year at its facility, which opened in 1995 and was renovated in 2012. It features eight outdoor courts, two indoor courts, a redwood grove, and a beautiful rose garden.

"We were at full capacity for leagues as well as fully booked for events and fundraisers in 2021 before COVID-19 hit,” said Club General Manager Jessica Libien, who is running the club by herself because other part-time employees have been furloughed.

Prior to the pandemic, the courts were alive with activity — the sounds of the wooden balls clunking together, competitors playfully jawing with each other or cheering a good shot, and often the speakers pumping out Dean Martin classics or traditional Italian accordion tunes. The sound of wine corks popping added to the atmosphere, too. During league play and special events, impressive skills and competitive spirit were on display day and night.

Under the current sheltering order, the facility is partially open. Courts can be rented several days a week as long as safety precautions are taken, but league play is on hold and large gatherings are not allowed.

"We miss the camaraderie desperately," Libien said. "So many people, especially the older demographic, depend on bocce for their daily exercise and socialization. Bocce is about community and without our daily/nightly leagues, so many people are struggling. Mentally and physically speaking, bocce is a reprieve for so many of our seniors. We feel a strong sense of duty to keep this place thriving during such a difficult time for so many Americans."

The caliber of play is also impressive. Libien teamed with Patti Bassett to win the 2017 U.S. Bocce Federation women's doubles local championship. Teresa Rea and Jolene Kramer traveled to Chicago to win the USBF National Women's Championship in 2019. The Hone Dogs, a Marin Bocce team, captured the 2019 championship title of the annual Peppermill Tournament in Reno. Many top-tier local players have competed around the country on the club's behalf. The Albert Park facility was poised to host the 2021 U.S. Bocce Federation national tournament, but that event is now in flux due to the virus. The federation also sponsors and trains a Special Olympics bocce team every year.

Now, the epicenter of local bocce — the biggest outdoor team recreation activity in the Bay Area among seniors — is hurting financially, and its supporters are rallying. After being closed for four months, the club started receiving unsolicited donations from some of the regular players.

"That generosity inspired us to formalize a fundraising campaign for the long-term health of the federation," Nunes said. "The support is a sign that bocce players are a proud bunch and they cling to their traditions."

Anyone may make a tax-deductible donation to Marin Bocce Federation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Supporters may mail a check to 550 B Street, San Rafael, CA 94901, stop by the courts with a check or credit card, or call 415-485-5583. Donors contributing $250 or more will have their name added to a new donor wall that will be installed by the indoor courts.

Non-league players may support the club by reserving a couple of courts for a safe and fun outdoor gathering, as long as it is allowed by Marin County Public Health. The new stay-at-home orders allow the courts to remain open as long as players wear face coverings, only play on the outdoor courts, and the club is not providing food or drink service. The club allows doubles play (maximum of four people per court) as long as masks are worn at all times. Public open play is available by reservation Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays for two-hour sessions starting at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., or 1 p.m. The cost is $10 per person (cash only).

Learn more at the www.marinbocce.org or call 415-485-5583.

— Story written and submitted for publication by Brent Ainsworth.